Systems and methods for checking wearable device is correctly seated

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, a personal emergency detection, notification, coordination and response method and system for individuals is disclosed. A monitoring device, for example a digital smart watch, is configured to identify an emergency using built-in sensors. The sensors are operable to perform spectral analysis of skin tissues. Example sensors include: LEDs and optical detectors for heart rate monitoring, blood perfusion checking, and tissue oxygenation checking; acceleration sensing to sense falls and accidents; and a GPS system for reporting the location of the wearer to interested parties. A communication chip with an associated antenna, and an audio chip are also included. Deviations in vital signs are used to detect health anomalies. By aggregating data that is anonymously collected from multiple users, the system constructs models that are compared with data from a specific user, to warn the user before an emergency occurs, for certain classes of health incidents.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/981,144 filed May 16, 2018, entitled “Systems and Methodsfor Personal Emergency,” by Ryan HOWARD et al., which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/541,029 filed Aug. 3,2017, entitled “A Personal Emergency System for EmergencyIdentification, Emergency Notification, and Emergency Response for anIndividual,” by Ryan HOWARD et al., which are hereby incorporated byreference.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/967,956 filed May 1, 2018, entitled “Skin Tissue SensorDevice,” by Steven Szabados, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/583,312 filed Nov. 8, 2017,entitled “Dermal and Cardiovascular Spectroscopic Sensor,” by StevenSzabados, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Health monitoring devices have become available in a wearable format,such as worn on a user's wrist. Many of them have the capability tomonitor heart rate but are limited with respect to system intelligence.There is a need in the art for improved devices as well as improvedmethods for interfacing with them, to enable more sophisticated analysisof vital signs, more effective engagement of available resources, andoverall more timely assistance to users undergoing health emergencies.There is a further need for a system architecture that can aggregatedata from multiple users anonymously, perform analysis on the datacollected, compare user data with behavioral models or standardsdetermined from the analysis, and predict a health emergency before itwould otherwise occur.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure can relateto the field of wearable health sensors, and more particularly tointelligent systems comprising wearable health sensors.

In various embodiments, a wearable device includes a processor, a memorycontaining instructions to be executed by the processor, and a pluralityof sensors. In addition, the processor is operable to utilizemeasurements from the plurality of sensors to check seating status ofthe wearable device on skin of a wearer of the wearable device.

In various embodiments, the plurality of sensors of the previousparagraph includes a capacitive pad. In various embodiments, theplurality of sensors of the previous paragraph includes a conductiveelement. In various embodiments, the plurality of sensors of theprevious paragraph includes an optical sensor. In various embodiments,the wearable device of the previous paragraph is operable to inform thewearer that the seating status is incorrect includes using at least oneof: display a message, produce an audible message, produce an audiblealarm, produce a vibration, and display a picture. In variousembodiments, the wearable device of the previous paragraph is operableto maintain a history of seating status of the wearable device andallows review of the history. In various embodiments, the wearabledevice of the previous paragraph is operable to adjust its bio-metricdata processing based on the seating status. In various embodiments, thewearable device of the previous paragraph is operable to turn offbio-metric sensing based on the seating status.

In various embodiments, a method for detecting seating of a wearabledevice, the method includes reading measurements from a plurality ofsensors with a processor of the wearable device. Furthermore, the methodincludes analyzing the measurements with the processor to check seatingstatus of the wearable device on skin of a wearer of the wearabledevice.

In various embodiments, the plurality of sensors of the previousparagraph includes a capacitive pad. In various embodiments, theplurality of sensors of the previous paragraph includes a conductiveelement. In various embodiments, the plurality of sensors of theprevious paragraph includes an optical sensor. In various embodiments,the method of the previous paragraph further includes informing thewearer that the seating status is incorrect includes the wearable deviceperforming at least one of: displaying a message, producing an audiblemessage, producing an audible alarm, producing a vibration, anddisplaying a picture. In various embodiments, the method of the previousparagraph further includes maintaining a history of seating status withthe processor. In various embodiments, the method of the previousparagraph further includes adjusting bio-metric data processing based onthe seating status with the processor.

In various embodiments, a wearable device includes a processor, a memorycontaining instructions to be executed by the processor, a plurality ofcapacitive pad sensors, a plurality of conductive sensors, and aplurality of optical sensors. Moreover, the processor is operable toutilize measurements from the plurality of capacitive pad sensors, theplurality of conductive sensors, and the plurality of optical sensors tocheck seating status of the wearable device on skin of a wearer of thewearable device.

In various embodiments, the wearable device of the previous paragraph isoperable to inform the wearer that the seating status is incorrectincludes at least one of: display a message, produce an audible message,produce an audible alarm, produce a vibration, and display a picture. Invarious embodiments, the wearable device of the previous paragraph isoperable to maintain a history of seating status of the wearable deviceand allows review of the history. In various embodiments, the wearabledevice of the previous paragraph is operable to adjust its bio-metricdata processing based on the seating status. In various embodiments, thewearable device of the previous paragraph is operable to turn offbio-metric sensing based on the seating status.

While various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure havebeen specifically described within this Summary, it is noted that theclaimed subject matter are not limited in any way by these variousembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Within the accompanying drawings, various embodiments in accordance withthe present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by wayof limitation. It is noted that like reference numerals denote similarelements throughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a wrist worn health monitoringdevice in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary computerimplemented method for providing timely emergency assistance to a userwhose vital signs have deviated from the normal range in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows example skin-sensor configurations in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows an example capacitive-pad-sensor circuit implementation inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a voltage-over-time graph for a capacitive pad inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an example metal-contact-sensor circuit implementation inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary asymmetric skin-sensing wearable device inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary symmetric skin-sensing wearable device inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart for detecting and reacting to theskin-sensing measurements in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example of a computing system uponwhich one or more various embodiments described herein may beimplemented in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments inaccordance with the present disclosure, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. While described in conjunctionwith various embodiments, it will be understood that these variousembodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure. On thecontrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the scope ofthe present disclosure as construed according to the Claims.Furthermore, in the following detailed description of variousembodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present disclosure. However, it will be evident to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced withoutthese specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances,well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent disclosure.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are presented interms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.These descriptions and representations are the means used by thoseskilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the presentdisclosure, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, is conceivedto be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to adesired result. The steps are those utilizing physical manipulations ofphysical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantitiestake the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in acomputing system. It has proven convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as transactions,bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, samples, pixels, or thelike.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present disclosure,discussions utilizing terms such as “reading,” “analyzing,” “informing,”“maintaining,” “adjusting,” “implementing,” “inputting,” “operating,”“detecting,” “notifying,” “aggregating,” “applying,” “comparing,”“engaging,” “predicting,” “recording,” “determining,” “identifying,”“generating,” “extracting,” “receiving,” “processing,” “acquiring,”“performing,” “producing,” “providing,” “prioritizing,” “arranging,”“matching,” “measuring,” “storing,” “signaling,” “proposing,”“altering,” “creating,” “computing,” “loading,” “inferring,” or thelike, refer to actions and processes of a computing system or similarelectronic computing device or processor. The computing system orsimilar electronic computing device manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computingsystem memories, registers or other such information storage,transmission or display devices.

Various embodiments described herein may be discussed in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions residing on some form ofcomputer-readable storage medium, such as program modules, executed byone or more computers or other devices. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable storage media may comprise non-transitorycomputer storage media and communication media. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may becombined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks(DVDs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium that can be used to store the desired information and that can beaccessed to retrieve that information.

Communication media can embody computer-executable instructions, datastructures, and program modules, and includes any information deliverymedia. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediaincludes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared andother wireless media. Combinations of any of the above can also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media.

In various embodiments, a personal emergency detection, notification,coordination and response method and system for individuals isdisclosed. A monitoring device, for example a digital smart watch, isconfigured to identify an emergency using built-in sensors. The sensorsare operable to perform spectral analysis of skin tissues. Examplesensors include, but are not limited to: LEDs (light emitting diodes)and optical detectors for heart rate monitoring, blood perfusionchecking, and tissue oxygenation checking; acceleration sensing to sensefalls and accidents; and a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) system forreporting the location of the wearer to interested parties. Acommunication chip with an associated antenna, and an audio chip canalso be included. Deviations in vital signs are used to detect healthanomalies. In various embodiments, by aggregating data that isanonymously collected from multiple users, the system constructs modelsthat are compared with data from a specific user, to warn the userbefore an emergency occurs, for certain classes of health incidents.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary wrist mounted healthmonitoring system 10 in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. A clasp or band 1 secures the device 10 to a user'swrist 2, and preferably employs a stiffening element 3 to provide asuitable force for pressing the device against the user's wrist 2. Acellular antenna 4 supports cellular communications. A Global NavigationSatellite System (GNSS) antenna 5 is also provided, used forcommunications with a Global Navigation Satellite System, a GlobalPositioning Satellite (GPS) system implemented in the United States, aswell as in other nations. A diversity antenna 6 is additionally providedto augment the other antennas and improve their performance. A flexcircuit (not shown) embedded in the clasp or band 1 may be used toconnect the antennas to corresponding circuits on a second printedcircuit board 17, to be described.

A sensor module 7 is shown within FIG. 1, with its bottom surfacepressing against the user's skin; this module may be described as a skintissue sensor. Module 7 includes, but is not limited to, a first printedcircuit board 8, an array of conductive elements or capacitors 9 forconfirming good contact with the user's wrist 2; an array of sensingcircuits (not shown) associated with the array of conductive elements orcapacitors for determining proper disposition of the skin tissue sensorrelative to the user's body; light emitting diodes (LEDs) 11 havingmultiple operating frequencies; photo detectors 12 for measuring lightoriginating from diodes 11 that subsequently diffuses through the user'sblood and skin tissue; a temperature sensor 13 for recording ambienttemperature and supporting calibration of sensor module 7; anaccelerometer 14 for sensing falls and accidents, and for confirminguser activity; and a first microprocessor 15 for controlling the sensormodule 7. Light emitting diodes 11 preferably comprise a plurality ofspaced-apart LEDs operating at multiple frequencies. Light emittingdiodes 11 and photo detectors 12 are preferably arranged in apredetermined array format, such that absorption spectra may bemeasured. The absorption spectra may be used to determine vital signs ofthe user, and the vital signs may be used to make inferences about theuser's health.

Within FIG. 1, an enclosure 16 surrounds a computer module 20comprising, for example and without limitation, the following elements:a second printed circuit board 17; an embedded subscriber identificationmodule (SIM) 18; cellular module 19 for supporting cellularcommunications; a second microprocessor 21 for controlling computermodule 20, flash memory 22; SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random accessmemory) 23; battery and power management controller 24; charginginterface 25 for charging a battery (not shown); a GNSS (GlobalNavigation Satellite System) module 26; and a touch/display screen 27.Computer module 20 preferably also comprises a voice chip (not shown),for signaling the user and potential local responders.

It is noted that the health monitoring system 10 may not include all ofthe elements illustrated by FIG. 1. In addition, the health monitoringsystem 10 can be implemented to include one or more elements notillustrated by FIG. 1. It is pointed out that the health monitoringsystem 10 can be utilized or implemented in any manner similar to thatdescribed and/or shown by the present disclosure, but is not limited tosuch.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method 200 representing a preferredembodiment in accordance with the present disclosure. Although specificoperations are disclosed in FIG. 2, such operations are exemplary. Themethod 200 may not include all of the operations illustrated by FIG. 2.Also, method 200 may include various other operations and/or variationsof the operations shown. Likewise, the sequence of the operations offlow diagram 200 can be modified. It is appreciated that not all of theoperations in flow diagram 200 may be performed. In various embodiments,the operations of the flow chart 200 are executed by the secondmicroprocessor 21, according to instructions contained in flash memory22 or SDRAM 23. Start bubble 40 is entered at power on, or reset ofhealth monitoring system 10. Decision block 41 determines if the deviceis properly seated against the user's wrist 2, taking advantage ofbending forces generated in stiffening element 3. If not, the method 200proceeds to start bubble 40. If the device is properly worn, system 10operates sensor module 7 to determine if dermal and cardiovascularactivity is normal; this condition may also be described as normal vitalsigns. Measurements involve using the sensor module to perform spatiallyresolved spectroscopy, which may be described as Near InfraredSpectroscopy (N IRS). Normal dermal activity may comprise tissueoxygenation measurements, or blood perfusion checking. Normalcardiovascular activity typically comprises heart rate monitoring anddetection of anomalies such as fibrillation or unusual cardiac rhythms.Decision block 42 determines if the activity is normal or not.

If the activity measured in decision block 42 is normal, the method 200proceeds to decision block 41. However, if the activity measured indecision block 42 is not normal, the wearer is notified in block 43. Theprocess 200 flows to decision block 44 wherein the user is asked if heor she is okay. If the user responds in the positive, the method 200proceeds to start bubble 40. However, if the user responds in thenegative, location (GPS or GNSS) data is sent in block 45 to a supportnetwork, which typically includes a Public Safety Answering Point(PSAP). An example of a PSAP is a 911 call center, which will be engagedin block 46 by the encoded messages from health monitoring system 10. Inaddition, other medical resources may also be called upon, as in block47. The other resources may include medical personnel such as doctors ornurses, or medical equipment such as defibrillators. If assistance isoffered by a local responder, then health system 10 will coordinate theemergency response activities and assign roles to the local respondersin block 48. If either the PSAP or local responders are available andengaged, emergency care will be delivered to the user as in block 49.

In a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure,health system 10 will be configurable to aggregate data from multipleusers anonymously, and apply additional analysis to establish norms ofbehavior, and by comparing user data against the norms of behavior,predict some user health emergencies before they would otherwise occur.The additional analysis preferably includes machine learning.

In various embodiments, a skin-sensing wearable device checks if itbeing worn and how well it is seated on a person's skin. Bio-metricsensors such as optical sensors are sensitive to their proximity andorientation to the skin. Wearing a health monitoring device too tightlycreates pressure on the skin, changes the skin tissue chemistry andinvalidates medical diagnosis. If the optical sensors are not seatedflush to the skin, light can reflect off the surface of the skin andcontain no information related to blood flow or cardiovascular activity.The skin-sensing wearable device uses multiple skin-sensors of differenttypes including capacitive-pad-sensors and conductive elements todetermine skin proximity and pressure on the skin at differentlocations. The conductive elements may be called metal-contact-sensorsin the rest of this description, but are not limited to such. Thewearable device analyzes the measurements from the multiple skin-sensorsto determine correct seating. Based on this analysis, the wearabledevice informs the wearer of issues, saves battery power and modifiesthe processing of the bio-metric sensor data.

FIG. 3 shows example skin-sensor configurations in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 3(a)shows four capacitive pads 310 arranged as four segments of a circle. Acapacitive pad is created by coating an insulator with a conductivelayer. The capacitive pads have an insulating layer between the pad andthe exterior of the wearable device (e.g., 10), so the capacitive padnever touches the wearer's skin. In one embodiment, these are just barepads directly placed on the PCB (e.g., 8), with the insulation being theplastic housing of the wearable device watch case. The capacitance ofthe capacitive pad varies with the proximity to the skin and thepressure on the skin. In one embodiment the capacitive pads are designedto be approximately 0.4 mm from the skin. The capacitive pads areconnected (or coupled) to an electronic circuit creating acapacitive-pad-sensor. Having four capacitive-pad-sensors allows thewearable device to take four measurements allowing it to check fortilting in two perpendicular directions. FIG. 3(b) shows two capacitivepads 310 arranged as two segments of a circle. Two capacitive pads areusually easier to arrange on the wearable device (e.g., 10) and can beused when the incorrect seating is normally along one directional axis.FIG. 3(c) shows two capacitive pads 310 and two metal contacts 320. Inone embodiment the metal contacts are gold plated. The metal contactscan be made from any conductive material but should not use metals thatcause irritation from allergies, such as metals with high nickelcontent. In various embodiments, the metal contacts directly contact theskin and have a much higher signal to noise ratio but can involve moredifficult mechanical and electrical considerations. For example, it isdesirable for the metal contact circuit to have electrostatic discharge(ESD) protection since it is exposed to the world. The metal contacts320 can be made from any conductive material that does not causeirritation. The metal contacts 320 are connected to an electroniccircuit creating a metal-contact-sensor. The configuration of FIG. 3(c)provides multiple, different types of measurements which can beimportant when factors such as skin moisture content and hair influencethe capacitive measurements. Moist skin creates a stronger signal (e.g.,more capacitance), and hair makes it worse by creating small air gaps.FIG. 3(d) shows two metal contacts 320 arranged vertically. Theconfiguration of FIG. 3(d) involves minimal surface area on the wearabledevice. FIG. 3(e) shows four metal contacts 320 arranged vertically andhorizontal. The configuration of FIG. 3(d) allows measurements in twoperpendicular directions and involves a relatively small surface area onthe wearable device.

FIG. 4 shows an example capacitive-pad-sensor circuit implementation 400in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Thecapacitive pad 310 is connected to the power supply (Vss) 410 throughresistor 420. In this example, the general-purpose input/output (GPIO)capability 430 of a microprocessor or micro-controller-unit (MCU) 15(FIG. 1) controls the capacitive pad 310. When the MCU 15 sets the GPIO430 pin to ground (GND), the capacitive pad 310 discharges all thecurrent quickly. When the MCU 15 allows the GPIO 430 pin to float, thecapacitive pad 310 accumulates a charge. The MCU 15 measures the voltageof the GPIO 430 and uses the voltage rise time to estimate thecapacitance and skin proximity. In one embodiment, a battery inside thewearable device (e.g., 10) provides a 1.8V (volts) power supply and theresistor has a resistance of 1 M Ohms (mega-ohms).

FIG. 5 shows a voltage-over-time graph 500 for a capacitive pad (e.g.,310) in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.The voltage at the GPIO input rises to Vss with a time constantproportional to the resistance (R) times the capacitance of thecapacitive pad. At time TO the MCU allows the GPIO pin to float. Thevoltage rise time is measured by a MCU timer beginning at TO andstopping when the GPIO voltage crosses a voltage threshold (Vthresh).The voltage rise time is typically measured in micro-seconds. In oneembodiment the measurements are repeated and averaged to get moreaccuracy. In one example, an initial rise time of 100 micro-secondsindicates normal proximity and an initial rise time of 150 micro-secondsindicates touching the skin. The amount of charge the pad can storevaries with the capacitance of the pad, which is affected by theproximity of skin.

FIG. 6 shows an example metal-contact-sensor circuit implementation 600in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Themetal contact 320 is connected to the power supply (Vss) 610 throughresistor 620. In this example, the general-purpose input/output (GPIO)capability 430 of a micro-controller-unit (MCU) controls the metalcontact 320. When the MCU sets the GPIO pin to ground (GND) the metalcontact 320 discharges all the current quickly. When the MCU allows theGPIO pin to float, the metal contact accumulates a charge. The MCUmeasures the voltage and uses the voltage rise time to estimate thecapacitance and skin proximity. The metal-contact-sensor circuit usesESD protection diodes 640 between the metal contact 320 and both Vss 610and ground 650. The measurement is carried out in the same way as for acapacitive-pad-sensor, where the rise time changes with the amount ofcharge the pin will store. The amount of charge changes dramaticallywhen in contact with skin.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary, asymmetric skin-sensing wearable device inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Theskin-sensing wearable device enclosure 16 houses the skin-sensors 310and 320; the LEDs 710, 720 and 730; and the optical sensors 12. In thisexample LED 710 transmits red light, LED 720 transmits infra-red lightand LED 730 transmits green light. The optical sensors 12 arephoto-diodes and sense the LED light. The magnitude of the various LEDlights measured at the different photo-diodes 12 is used to detectoxygenation of the skin and detect medical issues. Ambient lightinterferes with photo-diode measurements and the photo-diode sensors 12have ambient-light correction capabilities that helps them distinguishLED light from ambient light. If the wearable device is incorrectlyseated, the ambient light may be sufficient to saturate the photo-diodeand invalidate any measurements. Incorrect seating alters the anglesbetween the LEDs and the photo-diodes 12 and this also affects thephoto-diode measurements. Undue pressure from the wearable device ontothe skin changes the skin tissue chemistry and interferes with themedical diagnosis. The skin-sensing wearable device uses both capacitivepads 310 and metal contacts 320 to check the seating of the skin-sensingwearable device on a person's wrist. In this example, the LED andoptical sensor layout is asymmetric.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary, symmetric skin-sensing wearable device inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8shows the same components as in FIG. 7 except that the LED and opticalsensor layout is symmetric.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart 900 for detecting and reacting tothe skin-sensing measurements in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In one embodiment, the wearable device (e.g.,10) is controlled by the MCU (e.g., 15). The MCU executes softwareinstructions that detect and react to the skin-sensing measurements. Invarious embodiments, the operations of the flowchart 900 are executed bythe first microprocessor or MCU 15, according to instructions containedin flash memory 22 or SDRAM 23. In step S910 the wearable device (e.g.,10) reads measurements from both the skin-sensors and theoptical-sensors (e.g., 12). The skin-sensors include anycapacitive-pad-sensors (e.g., 310) and any metal-contact-sensors (e.g.,320). In various embodiments, the sole purpose of the skin-sensors is tocheck skin proximity and for correct device seating on the body. Theprimary purpose of the optical sensors is to detect medical issues buttheir measurements can also be used to check for correct device seatingon the wrist or appropriate body part. In one embodiment, theskin-sensor measurements are taken twice every second, but is notlimited to such. In various embodiments, the wearable device has theoption to use a moving average of the skin-sensor measurements.

In step S920 the wearable device analyzes the sensor measurements anddetermines how well the wearable device is seated on the body. Prior tonormal use the sensors are calibrated. A base-line measurement is takenfor each sensor when the wearable device is not being worn. In oneembodiment, the wearable device uses a second normal-baselinemeasurement for each sensor when the wearable device is correctlyseated. This is the expected sensor measurement during normal operation.The sensor readings can be analyzed using a variety of methods. Forexample, in various embodiments, device tilting can be determined bycomparing the measurements of two, partnered skin-sensors, locatedperpendicular to the tilt axis. In a first embodiment, each sensormeasurement is compared to its partner sensor's measurement and if thedifference is greater than a pre-defined threshold the wearable deviceconcludes that the wearable device is incorrectly seated. For example, awearable device may have two capacitive-pad-sensors (e.g., 310). Bothprovide measurements 100 units above the baseline when the wearabledevice is sitting correctly. When the wearable device is tilted up, oneside will remain in good contact, and the other will lift off the skinand read a lower value. The first capacitive-pad-sensor still measures100 units above the baseline, but the second capacitive-pad-sensormeasures 60 units above baseline indicating it is not making as good ofcontact. In a second embodiment, each sensor measurement is compared toits normal-baseline measurement and if the difference is greater than apre-defined threshold the wearable device concludes that the wearabledevice is incorrectly seated. In a third embodiment, the optical sensormeasurements are considered. If the optical sensor measurements arenormal (e.g., within a threshold) the wearable device considers thewearable device correctly seated regardless of the skin-sensormeasurements. The wearable device determines if the wearable device isbeing worn by comparing the current sensor measurements to thenot-being-worn baseline measurements. The wearable device alsodetermines if the wearable device is causing undue pressure on the skinby analyzing sensor measurements.

In S930 of FIG. 9, the wearable device checks the wearable deviceseating status has changed in such a way as to require action. If thewearable device seating status is unchanged, the wearable devicecontinues at step S910. If the wearable device seating status ischanged, the wearable device continues at step S940. An obvious changeof seating status is when the wearable device was correctly seated andhas now become incorrectly seated. In one embodiment, a significantchange of one or more skin-sensor measurements is counted as a statuschange even if the wearable device is still correctly seated.

In S940 the wearable device handles changes of state as follows:

-   -   a) If the wearable device seating has become incorrect, the        wearable device warns the wearer and changes the bio-metric data        processing to ignore the optical measurements. The wearable        device informs the wearer with one or more the following        actions: i) provide a textual message on the touch/display        screen (e.g., 27); ii) provide an audible message; iii) provide        an audible alarm; iv) produce a vibration to alert the        wearer; v) show a picture that indicates how the device is        incorrectly seated. Certain functions, such as bio-metric        sensing, are turned off to reduce battery power use.    -   b) If the wearable device seating has become correct, the        wearable device informs the wearer and changes the bio-metric        data processing to process the optical measurements normally.    -   c) If the wearable device is no longer being worn, the wearable        device warns the wearer and prepares to turn off the wearable        device. If the wearer does not respond to the warning within a        pre-specified amount of time the wearable device turns off the        power to preserve battery power.    -   d) If the skin-sensor measurements change significantly while        the device is correctly seated, the wearable device changes the        bio-metric data processing to account for a slight device        tilting or pressure change.    -   e) The wearable device maintains a history of the device being        worn and incorrect seatings. This allows a doctor or care-giver        to receive messages about and monitor wearable device use.

In S950 of FIG. 9, the wearable device determines if it is about to bepowered off. If the wearable device is about to be powered off, thewearable device exits this method 900. If the wearable device is notabout to be powered off, the wearable device continues at S910.

Although specific operations are disclosed in FIG. 9, such operationsare examples. The method 900 may not include all of the operationsillustrated by FIG. 9. Also, method 900 may include various otheroperations and/or variations of the operations shown. Likewise, thesequence of the operations of flow diagram 900 can be modified. It isappreciated that not all of the operations in flow diagram 900 may beperformed.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an example of a computing system 1000upon which one or more various embodiments described herein may beimplemented in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In a basic configuration, the system 1000 includes at leastone processing unit 1002 and memory 1004. This basic configuration isillustrated in FIG. 10 by dashed line 1006. The system 1000 may alsohave additional features and/or functionality. For example, the system1000 may also include additional storage (e.g., removable and/ornon-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disksor tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 10 by removablestorage 1008 and non-removable storage 1020.

The system 1000 may also contain communications connection(s) 1022 thatallow the device to communicate with other devices, e.g., in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computers.Furthermore, the system 1000 may also include input device(s) 1024 suchas, but not limited to, a voice input device, touch input device,keyboard, mouse, pen, touch input display device, etc. In addition, thesystem 1000 may also include output device(s) 1026 such as, but notlimited to, a display device, speakers, printer, etc.

In the example of FIG. 10, the memory 1004 includes computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and the like associatedwith one or more various embodiments 1050 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. However, the embodiment(s) 1052 may instead reside in anyone of the computer storage media used by the system 1000, or may bedistributed over some combination of the computer storage media, or maybe distributed over some combination of networked computers, but is notlimited to such.

It is noted that the computing system 1000 may not include all of theelements illustrated by FIG. 10. Moreover, the computing system 1000 canbe implemented to include one or more elements not illustrated by FIG.10. It is pointed out that the computing system 1000 can be utilized orimplemented in any manner similar to that described and/or shown by thepresent disclosure, but is not limited to such.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principlesof the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventorto furthering the art and are to be construed as being withoutlimitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examplesthereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functionalequivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalentsinclude both currently known equivalents as well as equivalentsdeveloped in the future, e.g., any elements developed that perform thesame function, regardless of structure.

The foregoing descriptions of various specific embodiments in accordancewith the present disclosure have been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The present disclosure is to be construed according to theClaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable device comprising: a processor; amemory containing instructions to be executed by the processor; and aplurality of sensors, wherein the processor is operable to utilizemeasurements from the plurality of sensors to check seating status ofthe wearable device on skin of a wearer of the wearable device.
 2. Thewearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality ofsensors comprise a capacitive pad.
 3. The wearable device as describedin claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprise a conductiveelement.
 4. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein theplurality of sensors comprise an optical sensor.
 5. The wearable deviceas described in claim 1, wherein the wearable device is operable toinform the wearer that the seating status is incorrect comprises usingat least one of: display a message, produce an audible message, producean audible alarm, produce a vibration, and display a picture.
 6. Thewearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the wearable device isoperable to maintain a history of seating status of the wearable deviceand allows review of the history.
 7. The wearable device as described inclaim 1, wherein the wearable device is operable to adjust itsbio-metric data processing based on the seating status.
 8. The wearabledevice as described in claim 1, wherein the wearable device is operableto turn off bio-metric sensing based on the seating status.
 9. A methodfor detecting seating of a wearable device, the method comprising:reading measurements from a plurality of sensors with a processor of thewearable device; and analyzing the measurements with the processor tocheck seating status of the wearable device on skin of a wearer of thewearable device.
 10. The method as described in claim 9, wherein theplurality of sensors comprise a capacitive pad.
 11. The method asdescribed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors comprise aconductive element.
 12. The method as described in claim 9, wherein theplurality of sensors comprise an optical sensor.
 13. The method asdescribed in claim 9, further comprising: informing the wearer that theseating status is incorrect comprises the wearable device performing atleast one of: displaying a message, producing an audible message,producing an audible alarm, producing a vibration, and displaying apicture.
 14. The method as described in claim 9, further comprising:maintaining a history of seating status with the processor.
 15. Themethod as described in claim 9, further comprising: adjusting bio-metricdata processing based on the seating status with the processor.
 16. Awearable device comprising: a processor; a memory containinginstructions to be executed by the processor; a plurality of capacitivepad sensors; a plurality of conductive sensors; and a plurality ofoptical sensors; wherein the processor is operable to utilizemeasurements from the plurality of capacitive pad sensors, the pluralityof conductive sensors, and the plurality of optical sensors to checkseating status of the wearable device on skin of a wearer of thewearable device.
 17. The wearable device as described in claim 16,wherein the wearable device is operable to inform the wearer that theseating status is incorrect comprises at least one of: display amessage, produce an audible message, produce an audible alarm, produce avibration, and display a picture.
 18. The wearable device as describedin claim 16, wherein the wearable device is operable to maintain ahistory of seating status of the wearable device and allows review ofthe history.
 19. The wearable device as described in claim 16, whereinthe wearable device is operable to adjust its bio-metric data processingbased on the seating status.
 20. The wearable device as described inclaim 16, wherein the wearable device is operable to turn off bio-metricsensing based on the seating status.